Nigeria Customs Service has sought the support of traditional rulers, in its bid to curb activities of smugglers in border communities in Ogun State.
Edu-Biznews recalled that Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service and some Suspected Snugglers in the past few days engaged themselves in gun-duel which led to the unfortunate death of some of the Residents hit by stray bullets, particularly in Ayetoro, Obafemi-Owode and border areas.
The new Controller of Customs in charge of Ogun 1 Area Command, Comptroller,Peter Chad Kolo called for joint support of stakeholders during his recent visit to the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Agura of Gbagura-Abeokuta Oba Sabur Babajide Bakre and Olu of Kobape ,Oba Olufemi Allen Taylor .
The Customs Chief quickly made it clear that the his Command is not a killer's squard but but a revenue generating agent operating under the rules and guidelines set up by the Federal Government.
His words" Nigeria Customs Service is not a blood tasting organisation but it is a government Agent that work under laid down rules and regulations hence, the need for Traditional rulers and all necessary stakeholders to join hands and support the Customs"
He called and on Alake and other Traditional rulers to educate and enlighten their subjects particularly, Smugglers and the youths on the need to shun smuggling and other illicit activities, saying the crazy for imported goods by Nigerians is doing no good but hampering the economic development and thereby generating more unemployments for the youths.
"I had witnessed some ugly incidents in the few weeks that I resumed in the State. There has been lost of lives through stray bullets during cross fire between Customs and Smugglers and the worst thing is that the innocent lives were affected.,Kolo stated
"This is the reason why we have to come out and appeal to our Royal fathers and Stakeholders for their collaboration to prevail on our youths to stop smuggling but embrace legitimate businesses. We are ready to facilitate,encourage and support legal trades, " The Controller promised"
Kolo who assured the people of the state that Customs Headquarters had been informed about the recent unfortunate incidents in Ayetoro and Obafemi-Owode and working seriously to prevent reoccurrence of such.
The new Area Comptroller. accompanied by his Deputy Controller in charge of Administration,( DC ) Nnadi, Deputy Controller, I .K Oladeji in charge of Intelligence, Roving B and Coordinator of Abeokuta axises, urged the people to see Customs Officers as friend who are working for the economic development of the Nation.
Oba Adetotun Aremu Gbadebo responding ,prayed for the new Controller to succeed in Ogun State, recalling that some of the retired Customs officers are now traditional rulers including the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Saburi Babajide Bakare and the Olu of Kobape,Oba Olufemi Allen Taylor.
Other royal fathers in their separate remarks, the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Saburi Babajide Bakare and Olu of Kobape, Oba Olufemi Allen pledged their supports to ensure a successful tenure for their former colleague.
Others on the courtesy visit included Assistant Controller (AC) Jacob Akpan, Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) O.Q Ilori who is PA to Controller and the Command image maker DSC H. B Oloyede among others.
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